Research Fellow, Radiology Radiochemist

Department 36398 Wake Forest University Health Sciences - Radiology: Xray Status Full time Benefits Eligible Yes Hours Per Week 40 Schedule Details/Additional Information M-F 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Hours could vary depending on grants workload. Pay Range $30.70 - $46.05 Job Summary The Radiochemist Postdoctoral Fellow is needed to fasten discovery-to-translation of novel molecular imaging agents by adding dedicated expertise in organic synthesis for radiotracer precursor design, optimization, and scale-relevant chemistry, enabling higher success rates for in vivo imaging studies. This post‑doc research fellow will work on developing, evaluating and designing novel PET imaging radiotracers for neurological disorders in rodent and nonhuman primate models. The candidate will also validate new biological methods to characterize their binding affinity in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro using established lab protocols and resources. Major Tasks/activities Will Include Design and multi‑step organic synthesis of radiolabeling precursors and reference standards Radiochemistry translation support (precursor suitability for labeling, stability, impurity risk mitigation, robust chemistry packages for reproducible runs) Method development and documentation SOP drafting, reaction optimization records, analytical methods (HPLC/GC/MS/NMR where applicable), reproducibility packages Cross‑functional collaboration with imaging scientists, nuclear medicine/PET operations, and disease‑area investigators to move candidates from concept to clinical studies Scholarly productivity & training: manuscripts, abstracts, presentations; mentoring trainees in synthesis/radiochemistry best practices—supporting Radiology’s stated commitment to patient‑centric care, education, and innovation/research. Key Responsibilities Design and synthesize novel ligands for imaging of Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers. Develop and optimize radiolabeling protocols Perform in vitro and in vivo evaluation of probe specificity, stability, and pharmacokinetics. Collaborate with neuroscientists, pharmacologists, and imaging specialists. Requirements PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Radiochemistry, or Analytical Chemistry Educational Expertise Expert in organic synthesis of small molecules, large peptides HPLC, GC, TLC and NMR characterizations Strong scientific writing and presentation skills Troubleshooting in technical aspects of organic and analytical chemistry Experience in handling radioactive materials will be an advantage Our Commitment To You Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well‑being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so you can live fully at and away from work, including: Compensation Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job Incentive pay for select positions Opportunity for annual increases based on performance Benefits And More Paid Time Off programs Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs Educational Assistance Program About Advocate Health Advocate Health is the third‑largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value‑based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits. Research Assists in the design of and conducts research protocols in designated field of science. Disseminates research findings through publication of manuscripts and presentations to advance the science of the profession. #J-18808-Ljbffr